Hey Ma (album)

Hey Ma
A baby sat behind a gun and some building blocks against a white background
Studio album by
Released7 April 2008
RecordedSeptember–December 2007
Studio
  • Château de Warsy, France
  • Hotspur Press, Manchester
  • The Premises, Hoxton
  • Scream, Brighton
GenreIndie rock
Length46:12
LabelFontana
ProducerLee Muddy Baker, James
James chronology
Pleased to Meet You
(2001)
Hey Ma
(2008)
The Night Before
(2010)
Singles from Hey Ma
  1. "Whiteboy"
    Released: 24 June 2008
  2. "Waterfall"
    Released: 5 August 2008

Hey Ma is the tenth studio album by British rock band James. After reuniting in 2007, James went on tour until September that year, when they began recording their next recording. Taking up residence in Château de Warsy in France, the band worked on 120 pieces of music. While extra recording was done in England, sessions concluded by December. Hey Ma was a return-to-form for the band as they continued their signature sound of loud guitars and big choruses, with occasional trumpet appearances. Before the album was released, the cover was banned due to its depiction of a baby with a gun close by.

Hey Ma was released on 7 April 2008 through Fontana Records. It was promoted with radio sessions, a UK tour and an appearance on Later... with Jools Holland. "Whiteboy" and "Waterfall" were released as singles on 24 June and 5 August, respectively. Coinciding with the North American release, they embarked on a tour in that territory in September and October; another UK tour followed by the year's end. Receiving positive reviews from critics, who enjoyed its return-to-form sound, the album peaked at number 10 in the UK Albums Chart.